Calyx, n. From a Greek word meaning “to cover”; the outer set of envelopes which form the perianth of a flower. If the perianth has but one set of envelopes it is called the calyx.
Capillary attraction, n. The force which causes liquids to disperse through fabrics or tissues. If one end of a towel be placed in a bowl of water, the whole towel will be wet in course of time.
Carbon, n. L. carbo, a coal; a substance very widely distributed and existing under various forms. Coal is one form of carbon, graphite another, the diamond a third. One atom of carbon combined with two of oxygen form carbon dioxide.
Carbon dioxide, n. A heavy gas, found as an impurity in the air. It is breathed out by animals and plants, and absorbed and used as a food by plants.
Castor oil, n. The oil obtained from the seeds of the castor-oil plant. Used as a medicine and also in dyeing cotton certain colors.
Cell, n. L. cella, a small room; a case or cup in which something is held, as anther cell, ovary cell, honeycomb cell; also the protoplasmic particles of which plants and animals are built up.
Candelabrum, n. L. candela, a candle; a candle stick; any branched candlestick. A candelabrum rests on a post, while a chandelier is suspended. Candelabra is the plural.
Chasm, n. From a Greek word meaning “a yawning hollow”; a wide, deep cleft.
Chlorophyll, n. From two Greek words meaning “light green” and “leaf,” leaf-green; the green coloring matter of vegetation.
Columbine, n. L. columba, a dove; a flowering plant which gets its name from the fancied resemblance of its petals and sepals to the heads of doves round a dish.